There's a First for Everything

Martin Luther King, Jr. once said, “Take the first step in faith. You don't have to see the whole staircase, just take the first step.” It can be scary to make the decision that your dreams are worth it. When staring violence and poverty in the face, it’s hard to realize there is a way out. Luis Prieto-Pena was on the verge of giving up hope that his life could be different than his older siblings and kids in his neighborhood on the eastside of Indianapolis (IN). Working third shift to help support his mother and five siblings was a big responsibility for a 17 year old, but Luis had a friend who ignited hope that by earning a high school diploma he could break the cycle of despair.

In America’s down economy, stories like Luis’ are growing. More than 7,000 youth walk away from high school every day, some mere credits shy of earning their diploma. Luis was almost a year behind in school and saw no way to recover from the lost classes. Simon Youth Pacers Academy at Washington Square Mall showed him a way to keep his job and earn his diploma. Not only did Luis become the first in his family to graduate high school, he did so by exceeding everyone’s expectations. He developed a love of numbers and decided he wanted to go after a career that would keep math in his life.

Watch Luis’ complete story here. Be sure to share it with everyone you know, especially those who may need a little inspiration to become who they are meant to be.

You CAN do it

Breaking the cycle of self-destruction is difficult, if not impossible. When you stop working, it snowballs into getting behind, and before you know it you can’t catch back up no matter how hard you try. This is what Devika Bishun faced after losing her father in January of 2010.

Devika became very sick due to stress. She started to miss school and quickly became unfocused. In her junior year, she realized graduation would be impossible if she didn’t start applying herself. She was so far behind her classmates, no matter how hard she tried she couldn’t get back what she let go. She began to give up hope until she was introduced to Simon Youth Academy at the Terrace at the Florida Mall in Orlando, Florida.

“Simon Youth Academy gave me a second chance to prove to myself that I can be successful,” said Devika. “The teachers were so patient with me to make sure I would be able to make my next future steps. My experience at the Academy has not just been attending school, but it made me feel like I was going to my second family.”

Devika said crossing the stage to accept her hard-earned diploma will be a special experience. Going from a deep hole to having hands extended to help her find the fortitude to do it is something she will never forget or take for granted.

“I will be the first in my family to earn a high school diploma and I am very proud that my diploma will be part of ensuring a successful future. I will further my studies in Social Work to help families and children deal with emotional and physical difficulties. Due to losing my father and receiving tremendous help from different social workers and programs, this dream has become possible and I want to inspire this hope in others.”

Devika’s goal is to work with Hospice and Palliative Care to care for people who are facing a life-threatening illness or injury. She wants to emotionally and spiritually support patients’ needs and wishes, and support the patient’s loved ones as well. Devika learned more than just history and math, she learned that all someone needs is a chance and someone to be there for support along the way.

Thank You Teachers

Somewhere along the way, a teacher influenced your life in a big way. Perhaps the teacher encouraged you to pursue a particular interest or skill, challenged you to push the limits and achieve more, or saw something in you that you were unable to see on your own. The first week of May is an opportunity to thank those teachers who helped you and continue to influence the lives of countless other students.

For 15 years, teachers at Simon Youth Academies have been igniting hope in at-risk youth across the United States. Some of the best teachers and administrators in the nation take on the challenge to see these students through high school graduation. Without the steadfast support of more than 120 teachers in 23 Academies in 13 states, more than 10,000 students would have become statistics in the dropout crisis facing America. Instead these 10,000 graduates are able to pursue their dreams all thanks to the teachers who put in tireless effort to see them succeed.

The most important factor in a student’s success in school is the quality of the teacher in the classroom. It takes a special kind of person to become a teacher, especially one that has decided a Simon Youth Academy is where they can make the most difference. The time and energy they devote to ensure these students don’t fall through the cracks and can instead walk away with their diploma is admirable and deserves our deepest appreciation.

Day in and day out these teachers don’t look for recognition, but there is a way to show them how much you care. PEOPLE magazine wants to highlight amazing teachers by announcing the first PEOPLE Teacher of the Year Award. You can download an application and nominate your favorite teacher. Applications will be accepted through July 2, and the winners will be determined by PEOPLE's editors and an independent panel of education professionals. The panel includes Kimberly Oliver Burnim, a prize-winning Maryland teacher; John Deasy, superintendent of L.A. Unified School District; Lily Eskelsen of the National Education Association; Wendy Kopp, founder and CEO of Teach for America; and Grammy-winning musician and philanthropist John Legend.

Five educators working in grades K-12, who are making a difference in their students' lives, will be awarded a $5,000 prize, with support from the sponsor Kellogg's Frosted Mini-Wheats cereal.

Take a moment today to thank a teacher and nominate them for all they have done for you.

Internship Exposes Students to Manufacturing

CRC Interns Jonathan Yoder (left) and Michael Roberts (right).

Landing a job in the current economic landscape is not easy. Studies are now showing that an internship may be the best way to secure full-time employment. A recent survey conducted by internships.com talked with students, graduates and more than 300 human resources and recruitment professionals which found 69% of companies with 100 or more employees offered full-time jobs to their interns in 2012.

Along with bolstering a resume, students also get an opportunity to try out a potential career before they commit to it. They gain many skills and find out what it takes to be successful regardless of their future employment path. Interactions with management and other workers provide a base level of understanding the inner workings of a company and give the employers a good idea of how the intern would fit should they extend a full-time opportunity.

Two students from Simon Youth Rose Tree Media Academy at Granite Run Mall in Media, Pennsylvania, Michael Roberts (seen on the right of the picture) and Jonathan Yoder (on left), are interning at Container Research Corporation. Based in Glen Riddle, Pennsylvania, the company designs and manufactures containers for helicopter blades, satellites and other commercial and government projects. CRC partnered with the Academy to give students practical experience, learn manufacturing career skills and study business applications in a hands-on manner.

Each intern accepted into the program specializes in one of 10 manufacturing or education areas throughout the manufacturing facility. The internship areas are comprised of Accounting, Business Operations, Plant management, Welding, Engineering, Machine work, Contracts/Sales, Paint, Assembly and testing, Technology and Quality Management Systems.

The CRC-SYA partnership exists to help high school students make a more informed decision about their future and promote a possible career path. The program seeks to inspire the participants to complete high school, be more self-confident about life, and be better prepared to make important academic and career decisions. This opportunity was extended to Michael and Jonathan who are currently working hard and enjoying the experience. SYF will be following their progress and get their thoughts on the internship upon their completion.

The Gift of Inspiration

Deborah Weber is surprised by colleagues who gave $1,000
to SYF in her honor.

Some say actions speak louder than words. At the Simon Youth Foundation Northeast Bowling for Education event, a record breaking amount was raised for SYF. More than $275,000 was raised  benefitting the efforts to provide educational opportunities for at-risk youth. There is a story behind the story here. The efforts to make this event special were spearheaded by Deborah Weber, Mall Manager at Walt Whitman Shops in Huntington Station, New York. Her fellow colleagues saw this as a perfect opportunity to honor her in a very special way.

It takes $1,000 to graduate a student from a Simon Youth Academy which means the overall event will assist 275 more diploma-seeking at-risk youth. To say thanks and honor Debby, the mall team at Walt Whitman Shops had an internal fundraiser and raised $1,000 more.  Between the event’s final total amount and the surprise honor, this will be one event she never forgets.

“My reaction was euphoria,” Debby said. “This event was the highest producing field event in the history of SYF, surpassing the former best event - our 2011 event. Since I founded this event for the company six years ago, the Northeast Region has raised over $1,000,000 with these Bowling Events. Add to that number, the donations from Bowling Events held around the company and it's even more impressive.”

Debby said she is so proud to be a part of a company that supports a foundation with an inspiring mission. She said ensuring at-risk students who might be left behind due to social circumstances, are embraced, encouraged and guided to ultimately successful lives through education is very important.

“A significant part of my personal background has been to support education for all children. I am in awe of the power of a successful company that can motivate its employees to raise millions for the support of those students who cannot learn in a traditional environment.”

There were 390 people and over 170 companies represented at the Bowling for Education event which helped exceed the previous record. This comes during a year of milestones for SYF including 15 years of igniting hope, awarding more than $10 million in scholarships and graduating our 10,000th student.

In addition to this honor, Debby was recently awarded the Best of the Best Mall Manager award by Simon Property Group at this year's Northeast Regional Meeting. Walt Whitman Shops earned the Ignite Hope award and Overall Fundraising Excellence award from SYF.

It is through the tireless efforts of Simon Property Group employees like Debby Weber that put the Simon in Simon Youth Foundation. We are very grateful for all the support we receive throughout the year at events such as this and we commend the Northeast Region for their help igniting hope.

Debby’s leadership in raising funds has literally helped SYF graduate 1,001 students!

Students Make a Difference in the Community

Students at Simon Youth North Coast Academy at Richmond Town Square Sears in Cleveland, Ohio under the direction of director Rena Wertheim, recently participated in several community service activities planned by Heidi Solomon, coordinator of Jewish Family Service Association’s Horvitz Youth Ability program.

Academy students assisted with birthday celebrations for participants at an adult day program at Park Synagogue Main in Cleveland Heights. They also participated in a blood drive, and volunteered in the kindergarten classroom at Mercer Elementary School in Shaker Heights. They partnered with JFSA in working with children with disabilities at Brush High School in Lyndhurst, and assisted students with disabilities at Orange High School in Pepper Pike.

At Memorial Junior High School in South Euclid, students explained that the choices they had made earlier led to the need to go to an alternative school, and they encouraged younger students to make better choices.

Simon Youth Foundation is celebrating 15 years of igniting hope, graduating more than 10,000 students, and awarding more than $10 million in scholarships. The 23 academies in 13 states partner with more than 50 school districts and graduate students at a 90% rate. Learn more at syf.org.

What’s the point?

Have you ever questioned why you are putting forth effort towards a goal when times get tough? Jorge Chavez, a graduate from Simon Youth Academy at Metrocenter Mall in Phoenix, Arizona, took a look in the mirror and asked this same question. A high school diploma wasn’t anything but a fancy piece of paper to him. Family responsibilities were more pressing and important than a subject he thought he’d never use. Mere credits away from graduating, Jorge dropped out.

Jorge was two years old when he was brought to the United States. His parents worked very hard to provide for him and his younger brother. Sometimes hot water or electricity was off, but he never thought twice about why because his family was happy. As he grew older, he noticed a difference between the other kids at school and him.

“I’d ask to go on class field trips or camps and be told no,” Jorge said. “I didn’t understand why the other kids could go but I had to stay at home. I realized as a teenager the reason was because of how my parents came to the U.S.”

For a short time, Jorge resented his parents. This is when he started asking the question, ‘What’s the point?’ If he wasn’t able to go on a field trip, how would a diploma change his life? It took him a year to get over these feelings.

“I was filled with frustration and feeling sorry for myself because of the situation instead of trying to figure out how I can succeed. The day I stepped into the Academy that changed. It was that day I decided I wanted it as opposed to everyone wanting it for me.”

Jorge credits the one-on-one instruction and working at his own pace as the primary factors keeping him motivated. He started seeing progress and helped him continue setting daily goals. The real lesson he was learning – I can do this. And he hasn’t stopped since then.

“Graduation is not the ending for me. I’m going to Glendale Community College and then Arizona State University to study engineering. I’m that much closer to my dreams, so I’m not going to waste time. I got this.”

Simon Youth Foundation is celebrating 15 years of igniting hope, graduating more than 10,000 students, and awarding more than $10 million in scholarships. The 23 academies in 13 states partner with more than 50 school districts and graduate students at a 90% rate. Learn more at syf.org.

History Lesson Moves Students

Justice Sharon Lee of the Tennessee Supreme Court

Philosopher and Novelist George Santayana once said, “Those who do not remember the past are condemned to repeat it.” Though sometimes difficult, it is important to learn about historical events that transformed the landscape of the world. World War II and the Holocaust are not pleasant topics with a powerful but not happy ending. Students at Simon Youth Dr. Paul L. Kelley Volunteer Academy at Knoxville Center in Knoxville, Tennessee were tasked with reading the novel “Night” by Nobel Peace Prize winning author Elie Wiesel. Upon completion, the students had a guest speaker come to discuss the book and bring it to life.

The book study was part of the Knoxville Rotary Club six week book study program the Academy students participate in as a part of the history class curriculum. Justice Sharon Lee of the Tennessee Supreme Court came to discuss the book and bring her own father’s story of survival in a Nazi concentration camp after being captured during the war. It is one thing to read a book and keep a “distance” from the realities and atrocities experienced and hearing an account from someone with intimate knowledge of the subject matter.

“We’ve had several speakers come to speak to our students, but I’ve rarely seen everyone so engaged like they were,” said Kim Towe, Administrator at the Academy. “Her father’s story had so many pieces of knowledge the students could relate to on a personal level. She really captured and kept their attention the entire presentation.”

Justice Lee talked with the students about what her father went through after being captured and sent to a concentration camp. She described the deplorable conditions, lack of food and water, and watching people he would become acquainted with be dragged away, never to be seen again. One of the interesting points she talked about was how everyone at the camp came together like a family. They would encourage each other on difficult days, share what little food or water they had, and do whatever necessary to keep hope alive.  

Relating back to some of the struggles the students at the Academy may have had or are having, Justice Lee tried to bring everything into perspective. Whether reading about history in a book or thinking about your personal history, you can learn from both successes and failures, and how you can apply them today.

About the book “Night”The book is an autobiographical account of life in the Nazi death camps. Nobel Peace Prize winner Elie Wiesel takes his readers with him from his home, into the ghetto, on the transport, through Selections, into the concentration camps, on the Death March, and beyond. Reading this book gives one a deeper and more personal understanding of the Holocaust experience. Only with this understanding can one genuinely remember the Holocaust and thus help ensure it won't happen again.

Simon Regional Conferences Welcome SYF

The 2013 Simon Property Group Regional Meetings kicked off with the New England Region on Wednesday, April 3rd and Simon Youth Foundation will be present at all SPG Regional Meetings to update the field based mall teams on the support they have provided to SYF. SYF President and CEO Dr. Michael Durnil will be on hand to thank the mall leaders for the important roles Simon employees play in SYF. SYF’s theme for the presentation "YOU are the Simon in Simon Youth Foundation" underscores how paramount to the success and future of the Foundation each member of the Simon Property Group family has.

2013 is a year of milestones - celebrating 15 years of igniting hope, graduating more than 10,000 at-risk students, and awarding more than $10 million in scholarships. Mall teams expressed why they support SYF’s nationwide efforts.

“The success stories of the kids SYF helps gives me goose bumps and brings tears to my eyes. That’s why I support SYF!” Adra Cohen, Director of Marketing and Business Development, Cape Cod Mall, Hyannis, MA

“Every youth deserves a chance and SYF makes that chance possible! Raising money for SYF as a Marketing Director is easy compared to the challenges a lot of at-risk youth face!” Sarah Bonds, Director, Marketing and Business Development, Tacoma Mall, Tacoma, WA

“I believe every child should have an opportunity to learn, to succeed and to grow for a happy life. I consider myself one who has been blessed and feel a responsibility in helping our youth understand the importance of education, the great feeling of success and the notion that you can be or do anything you put your mind to. I am honored to support Simon Youth Foundation in any way I can to support our children’s hopes, dreams and futures.” Denise Ipsen, General Manager, Newport Centre, Jersey City, NJ

“Seeing youth grow and have a chance to succeed makes the time devoted to SYF worth every effort. Every young person deserves to get a good start in life.” Steven Heim, CSM, General Manager, Northgate Mall, Seattle, WA

Dr. Durnil will also be presenting several Ignite Hope Awards to the Mall Teams who exemplify the components of "You are the Simon Youth Foundation." Members of the Simon Youth Foundation executive team will be traveling to all of the Simon Property Group Regional Meetings over the course of the next few weeks telling the SYF story and thanking the Simon Property Group employees for all they do to promote and fundraise on behalf of the Foundation.

Igniting Hope: A Scholarship Recipient's Story

Ashleigh Ellis (far right) works at the NFLPA Collegiate Bowl

"Thank you for helping me get one step closer to achieving my dream."

These words are what Simon Youth Foundation seeks to hear on a regular basis. Ashleigh Ellis of Torrance, California received a Simon Youth Foundation Scholarship from Del Amo Fashion Center and chose to attend Chapman University in Orange, California. Ashleigh is pursuing a bachelor's degree in Athletic Training and also wants to pursue a master's degree in the field. She fell in love with the medical field in high school and combining it with athletics made it even better. She knew what she wanted but wasn't sure how she could financially do it.

"This will help me attend a four-year institution and potentially become the first in my family to earn a degree. I am truly appreciative."

Ashleigh said she will continue being active in community service on campus and work hard to achieve academic success. She was selected to be a part of Chapman University's Emerging Leaders Program and also worked at the NFLPA Collegiate Bowl (as seen in the picture above). She is expected to graduate in 2016.  

In 2012, the Simon Youth Scholarships program announced $1.1 million in awards to 266 nationwide high school graduates like Ashleigh. These scholarships help ease the financial obstacle many face to attend higher education. Since the scholarship program was created in 2000, SYF has awarded scholarships valued at more than $10 million to more than 3,300 deserving young people. You can learn more about the scholarships at syf.org.

We wish Ashleigh and all scholarship recipients the best as they pursue their dreams.